ANNUAL REPORT – YEAR ENDING 31/3/2008
At Council elections last May Dale Burch, Ed Chambers, Peter Collin, Bev Culloden, Douglas James, John Mills, Bill Rampling, Ron Wallwork and Julian Webb were elected, following the retirement of Jennie Franks, Brian Gray and Albert Shipton on 30th April 2007. Bill Ramping was appointed Chairman of the new Council, supported by Ron Wallwork as Vice Chairman.
The Parish Council has welcomed the regular presence in Moulton of PC John Gowing, in his new role as a member of Iceni Safer Neighbourhood team. Lisa Chambers, Roger Dicker, County and District Council representatives, and John Englebright, Head Teacher of Moulton School, have attended meetings on a regular basis, and their support and input into village affairs are very much welcomed.
The Parish Council held twelve formal meetings during the year and, in addition, the Chairman, the Clerk and Councillors have attended numerous training courses, site meetings and briefings on a variety of local concerns, and wider issues including the Local Development Framework, raising awareness on fuel poverty and the elderly, fund raising initiatives, countryside access community schemes, District Council forums and Suffolk Association of Local Council’s area meetings.
VILLAGE MAINTENANCE – thanks to Packhorse Fencing, the village continues to be maintained to an exceptionally high standard. A load of road planings is to be purchased, so that potholes on footpaths and in the Village Hall car park can be filled. The River Bank – as previously agreed with the Environment Agency, alternate river banks were cut last year in May, July and November, with a 30cm margin left at the water’s edge; in-channel weed cutting was also undertaken in late summer. Packhorse Bridge – work to the masonry, steps and surface was completed by English Heritage, and a new information board installed. Wayside Seat – a new bench was erected on the riverbank between the bridge and the ford in Church Road, in recognition of Jennie Franks’s 29 years contribution to village life. Dog Fouling – continues to be a concern, and an additional dog bin has been installed opposite the Packhorse Bridge. Dog walkers are urged to clear up after their dogs – poop bags are available free of charge from the Post Office Stores. The Parish Council is urging the District Council to re-introduce Dog Wardens. Bus Shelter – this is maintained by the Council, and cleaned regularly. Spring Clean 2008 – litter-picking and tidying was undertaken by over 30 volunteers on 8th March, and this and other village clearance work throughout the year is very much appreciated. Allotments – enquiries were being made regarding the possibility of acquiring a site for the re-establishment of allotments in the village – approximately one acre of suitable land would be needed to provide 12 allotments.
THE PLAYING FIELD – the rubber cradle swing seats were replaced, and the main timber supports to the climbing frame. All play equipment is inspected weekly by the District Council’s engineer when minor repairs are dealt with. The play area is also subject to an annual safety inspection. The gaps in the safety surfacing are filled on a regular basis. The football club licence for practice and matches was renewed for another season; the Panthers have used the pitch for weekly training sessions and weekend league games. The goal posts will be taken down at the end of the playing season and stored securely until September. The grass (recreation ground & village green) was cut regularly throughout the year. The playing field has been hired on several occasions for private events (exclusive use cannot be sanctioned): the village hall must be hired at the same time, so that a full range of facilities is available. Proof of adequate insurance is also required.
VILLAGE WEBSITE – www.moultonsuffolk.co.uk – this provides local information and links to other village sites. As it continues to be developed this website has become a valuable resource for the whole community. There is also a link to the Parish Council’s website www.moultonpc.ukonline.co.uk which gives basic information and contact points, the latest agenda prior to a meeting, the last set of approved minutes, and the most recent set of approved accounts
MOULTON NEWS – this excellent village newsletter is now published four times a year by the Editor Jennie Wallis – 07768 043135, email moultonnews@aol.com. Articles and photos are always welcome. Contact Jennie for further details and information on adverting.
VILLAGE HALL – following representations by the Council, the Developer of Kennett Park reconsidered the terms of the legal agreement, which formed part of the planning consent, and this now includes a payment of £100,000 towards the new Village Hall for Moulton. Planning permission was approved for the redevelopment of the former Friskies site, and it is anticipated that building will start later this year. In view of this additional funding, the Management Committee will now be seeking updated tenders as it is hoped that the necessary finance will now be available to proceed with the rebuilding of the hall in 2008.
HIGHWAY MATTERS – in School Road a coloured anti-skid surface to highlight the access to the school gates from the car park pedestrian exit has been installed, together with a marked bus bay opposite the vehicle access to the car park. White lines have now been painted at the Lark Hill/Newmarket Road junction, and other worn road markings renewed, and numerous potholes and sunken roadside edges repaired. The policy of not salting the Suffolk section of the C653 (Newmarket Road) at the onset of sub zero temperatures, is to be reviewed this summer. Some remedial works have been promised prior to the repainting of the metal bridge at the end of the Church Road.
PLANNING MATTERS – over 25 planning applications have been scrutinised, and comments passed to the District Council where necessary. The Council had asked the Forward Planning Manager to give assurances that despite the expiration of the Local Plan and the absence of an adopted Local Development Framework, Forest Heath area will be protected by all the necessary key planning policies not covered by government legislation. Despite delays, it was understood that a timetable will now be adopted within a 3 year period for the production of the LDF.
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL – the Council had reviewed the architectural historian’s draft report prior to submission to Forest Heath District Council. Work on the document was delayed, but it is now hoped that the appraisal will be approved and formally adopted shortly, as the recommendations will help to protect the village against future unsuitable planning and development proposals.
Plans were being considered regarding the possibility of making a walkable route along the Newmarket Road verge to connect with Footpath No 1, and a scheme to improve the habitat for kingfishers on the river adjacent to Footpath 4, from the Packhorse Bridge to the water meadow on the Kentford Road. BUS SERVICES – the Council had made a complaint to the County Council regarding the failure of some bus drivers to make non-designated stops, which had been previously agreed, so that the elderly did not have to walk to and from the approved bus stops. It had been confirmed that the Newmarket Road was designated and ‘hail and ride’ route.
FINANCE - the annual precept for 2008/209 has been set at £26,864, based on known, recurring and estimated costs for the next year. The Parish Council was mindful of the fact that more than 50 street lighting units will need replacing in the foreseeable future, and a contingency fund was required to be built up to cover this eventuality. Also, in view of the impending works to redevelop the village hall, the Parish Council may well be asked to consider further financial assistance towards this project.
The following grants were made in 2007/2008:- Churchyard Maintenance £900, Village Hall Maintenance £900, Newmarket Day Centre £200, Magpas £100, Village Archivist £100, Moulton Newsletter £100, Royal British Legion £25, School Prize for Citizenship £25.